Electronic device and method for controlling screen display using temperature and humidity

ABSTRACT

A background image is displayed on a touch screen of an electronic device. Overlapped with the background image, a semitransparent layer is displayed. When a touch and drag action is detected from the semitransparent layer, the transparency of a touch and drag region is changed. Transparency of the semitransparent layer may be changed according to temperature or humidity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Koreanpatent application filed on Mar. 14, 2013 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office and assigned Serial number 10-2013-0027595, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a display control for a screen of anelectronic device having a touch screen. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to an electronic device and method for controlling adisplay of images and objects on a touch screen, based on at least oneof temperature and humidity.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays a touch screen is used for various electronic devices in orderto display graphic elements and text and to offer a user interface thatallows an interaction between a user and an electronic device. A touchscreen detects contact on a surface thereof and reacts to such contact.Normally a touch screen may display thereon one or more soft keys, oneor more menu items, and any other object for a user interface. User'scontact with any object on a touch screen may cause an interactionbetween a user and an electronic device.

A touch screen provides an intuitive user interface. Therefore, a touchscreen has been widely used as a display and input device for many typesof mobile devices such as mobile phones or smart phones.

Recently a smart phone uses a touch screen as a basic input/outputdevice and has various sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a humiditysensor, and an optical sensor, for sensing external environments. Bycombining an intuitive interface of a touch screen with various sensors,a smart phone may offer natural and enhanced experiences to a user.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determinationhas been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide an electronic device and method for a screendisplay control that allows a display of a semitransparent layeroverlapped with a background image on a touch screen.

Another aspect the present disclosure is to provide an electronic deviceand method for a screen display control that can change the transparencyof a touch and drag region in response to a user input based on a touchand drag on a semitransparent layer.

Another aspect the present disclosure is to provide an electronic deviceand method for a screen display control that can vary the transparencyof a semitransparent layer according to at least one of temperature andhumidity.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is providedan electronic device comprising: a touch screen configured to display animage and to detect a user input; and a control unit configured tocontrol the touch screen to display a first layer overlapped with theimage; wherein when a user input is detected in a partial region of thefirst layer, the control unit is further configured to change thetransparency of the partial region.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda display control method for an electronic device having a touch screen,the method comprising: displaying a first layer overlapped with an imagedisplayed on the touch screen; detecting a user input on the touchscreen; and changing the transparency of a partial region of the firstlayer in which the user input is detected.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice is provided. The electronic device includes a display unitconfigured to display an image and having a touch screen for detecting auser input, and a control unit configured to control the touch screen todisplay a first layer overlapped with the image. In this electronicdevice, when the user input is detected in a partial region of the firstlayer, the control unit is further configured to change transparency ofthe partial region.

The electronic device may further comprise a temperature sensor, and thecontrol unit may be further configured to determine temperature based oninformation received from the temperature sensor, to control the firstlayer to display a water vapor image when the determined temperature ishigher than a predefined temperature, and to control the first layer todisplay a frost image when the determined temperature is lower than thepredefined temperature.

The control unit may be further configured to change transparency of theentire region of the first layer according to variations of thedetermined temperature.

The control unit may be further configured to control the first layer todisplay a water drop object after an elapse of a given time. The controlunit may be further configured to control the water drop object to bedisplayed as if it moves in the direction of gravity. The control unitmay be further configured to control the water drop object to bedisplayed at a removal point of the user input.

The control unit may be further configured to change transparency of theuser input detected region as time passes.

The electronic device may further comprise a humidity sensor, and thecontrol unit may be further configured to change transparency of thefirst layer in response to a signal received from the humidity sensor.

The control unit may be further configured to control the first layer todisplay an accumulated frost object at a removal point of the user inputwhen the frost image is displayed.

The control unit may be further configured to control the touch screento display a second layer overlapped with the first layer, the secondlayer having an opaque region for displaying information.

The control unit may be further configured to determine temperaturebased on data received from an external entity, to control the firstlayer to display a water vapor image when the determined temperature ishigher than a predefined temperature, and to control the first layer todisplay a frost image when the determined temperature is lower than thepredefined temperature.

The control unit may be further configured to change transparency of theentire region of the first layer according to weather information. Theweather information may include at least one of temperature andhumidity.

The first layer may have at least two attributes which are determinedaccording to temperature.

The control unit may be further configured to assign a first attributeto the first layer when the temperature is higher than a predefinedtemperature, and to assign a second attribute to the first layer whenthe temperature is lower than the predefined temperature.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, anelectronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a displayunit configured to display an image and having a touch screen fordetecting a user input, and a control unit configured to control thetouch screen to display a semitransparent layer overlapped with theimage. In this electronic device, when the user input is detected in apartial region of the semitransparent layer, the control unit is furtherconfigured to change transparency of the partial region.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, anelectronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a displayunit configured to display a user interface and having a touch screenfor detecting a user input, and a control unit configured to keep a lockstate of the user interface by controlling the touch screen to display asemitransparent layer overlapped with the user interface, to changetransparency of a partial region of the semitransparent layer when theuser input is detected in the partial region, and to release the lockstate of the user interface when the partial region occupies a specificpercentage or more of the entire region of the touch screen.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, anelectronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a displayunit configured to display a plurality of icons for executingapplications and to have a touch screen for detecting a user input, anda control unit configured to disallow a selection of the icons bycontrolling the touch screen to display a semitransparent layeroverlapped with the icons, and to control at least one of the icons tobe in a selectable state by changing transparency of a partial region ofthe semitransparent layer when the user input is detected in the partialregion.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, a methodfor a display control for a screen of an electronic device having atouch screen is provided. The method includes a first layer overlappedwith an image displayed on the touch screen, detecting a user input inthe touch screen, and changing transparency of a partial region of thefirst layer in which the user input is detected.

The screen display control method may further comprise determiningtemperature, and displaying a water vapor image on the first layer whenthe determined temperature is higher than a predefined temperature, anddisplaying a frost image on the first layer when the determinedtemperature is lower than the predefined temperature.

The screen display control method may further comprise changingtransparency of the entire region of the first layer according tovariations of the determined temperature.

The screen display control method may further comprise displaying awater drop object on the first layer after an elapse of a given time.

The screen display control method may further comprise displaying thewater drop object as if it moves in the direction of gravity.

The screen display control method may further comprise displaying thewater drop object at a removal point of the user input.

The screen display control method may further comprise changingtransparency of the user input detected region as time passes.

The screen display control method may further comprise detectinghumidity, and changing transparency of the first layer according to thedetected humidity.

The screen display control method may further comprise displaying anaccumulated frost object at a removal point of the user input on thefirst layer when the frost image is displayed.

The screen display control method may further comprise displaying asecond layer overlapped with the first layer on the touch screen, thesecond layer having an opaque region for displaying information.

The screen display control method may further comprise receivingtemperature, and displaying a water vapor image on the first layer whenthe received temperature is higher than a predefined temperature, anddisplaying a frost image on the first layer when the receivedtemperature is lower than the predefined temperature.

The screen display control method may further comprise changingtransparency of the entire region of the first layer according toweather information. The weather information may include at least one oftemperature and humidity.

The first layer may have at least two attributes which are determinedaccording to temperature.

The screen display control method may further comprise assigning a firstattribute to the first layer when the temperature is higher than apredefined temperature, and assigning a second attribute to the firstlayer when the temperature is lower than the predefined temperature.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, a methodfor a display control for a screen of an electronic device having atouch screen is provided. The method includes an image on the touchscreen, displaying a semitransparent layer overlapped with the image,detecting a user input in the touch screen, and changing transparency ofa partial region of the semitransparent layer in which the user input isdetected.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, a methodfor a display control for a screen of an electronic device having atouch screen is provided. The method includes a user interface on thetouch screen, keeping a lock state of the user interface by controllingthe touch screen to display a semitransparent layer overlapped with theuser interface, changing transparency of a partial region of thesemitransparent layer when a user input is detected in the partialregion, and releasing the lock state of the user interface when thepartial region occupies a specific percentage or more of the entireregion of the touch screen.

In accordance with another an aspect of the present disclosure, a methodfor a display control for a screen of an electronic device having atouch screen is provided. The method includes a plurality of icons forexecuting applications on the touch screen, disallowing a selection ofthe icons by controlling the touch screen to display a semitransparentlayer overlapped with the icons, and controlling at least one of theicons to be in a selectable state by changing transparency of a partialregion of the semitransparent layer when a user input is detected in thepartial region.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program comprisinginstructions arranged, when executed, to implement a method inaccordance with any one of the above-described aspects. A further aspectprovides machine-readable storage storing such a program.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded views illustrating screen layers displayedon a touch screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated with a touchand drag action detected from a touch screen of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show screenshots illustrating graphic objectsrepresented on a screen by a touch and drag action detected from a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of displaying a layerwith a varied attribute according to temperature on a touch screen of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show screenshots illustrating layers displayed withdifferent attributes according to temperature on a touch screen of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated withtemperature changes in an electronic device according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show screenshots illustrating variations of transparencyaccording to temperature changes on a touch screen of an electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated with theremoval of a touch and drag action from a touch screen in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a screenshot illustrating a water drop object displayed ata removal point of a touch and drag action on the first layer of a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process after an elapse of agiven time from a display of a water drop object on a touch screen in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B show screenshots illustrating the movement of a waterdrop object after an elapse of a given time from a display of the waterdrop object on a touch screen of an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated with a touchand drag action detected from a layer with a frost image on a touchscreen of an electronic according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C show screenshots illustrating an accumulatedfrost object displayed in response to the removal of a touch and dragaction detected from a layer with a frost image on a touch screen of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a process after an elapse of agiven time from a display of a region having been changed intransparency on a touch screen in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C show screenshots illustrating the disappearanceof a region having been changed in transparency after an elapse of agiven time from a display of the region on a touch screen of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D show screenshots illustrating a sequentialdisappearance of a region having been changed in transparency after anelapse of a given time from a display of the region on a touch screen ofan electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C show screenshots illustrating a layer havingbeen changed in opacity in a case of a touch and drag action taken atabout 90% regions on a touch screen of an electronic device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated withhumidity changes in an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E show screenshots illustrating variousdisplay forms of a layer according to temperature and humidity changeson a touch screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a variation in a display form of a layerat a touch point according to the duration of a touch on a touch screenof an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D show screenshots illustrating a process ofreleasing a lock state of a user interface in response to a user inputon a touch screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C show screenshots illustrating a process ofreleasing a lock state of a user interface at a partial region on atouch screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbersare used to depict the same or similar elements, features, andstructures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functionsand constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a layer” includes reference to one ormore of such layers.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 may be connected to anyexternal device (not shown), using a mobile communication unit 120, asub-communication unit 130, and a connector 165. An external device maybe a mobile phone, a smart phone, an input device, a tablet PersonalComputer (PC), a server, or any other electronic device. The electronicdevice 100 is portable, is capable of transmission/reception of data,and may have at least one touch screen. The electronic device 100 may bea mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a 3 Dimensional (3D)TeleVision (TV), a smart TV, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) TV, a LiquidCrystal Display (LCD) TV, or any other device that allows data to betransmitted to or received from a peripheral device or other remotedevice.

The electronic device 100 includes a touch screen 190 and a touch screencontroller 195, both of which may collectively be a display unit (notshown).

Additionally, the electronic device 100 includes a control unit 110, themobile communication unit 120, the sub-communication unit 130, amultimedia unit 140, a camera unit 150, a Global Positioning System(GPS) unit 155, an input/output unit 160, a sensor unit 170, a storageunit 175, and a power supply unit 180. The sub-communication unit 130includes at least one of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) unit 131and a short-range communication unit 132. The multimedia unit 140includes at least one of a broadcast communication unit 141, an audioplay unit 142, and a video play unit 143. The camera unit 150 includesat least one of the first camera 151, the second camera 152, and a flash153. The input/output unit 160 includes at least one of a button 161, amicrophone 162, a speaker 163, a vibration motor 164, the connector 165,a keypad 166, and an input unit 167. The sensor unit 170 includes atemperature sensor 171 and a humidity sensor 172.

The control unit 110 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 111, aRead Only Memory (ROM) 112 that stores a control program for controllingthe electronic device 100, and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 113 thatstores a signal or data received from any external entity or is used asa storage region for a task performed in the electronic device 100.

The control unit 110 controls general operations of the electronicdevice 100 and flows of signals between the above-mentioned internalcomponents 120 to 195, and also performs a function to process data. Thecontrol unit 110 controls the supply of electric power from the powersupply unit 180 to the above-mentioned internal components 120 to 195.Further, the control unit 110 executes an Operating System (OS) and anapplication stored in the storage unit 175.

The CPU 111 may include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) (not shown). TheCPU 111 may be a System-on-Chip (SoC) that contains a core (not shown)and the GPU. The CPU 111 may include a single core, a dual core, atriple core, a quad core, or any other multi core. The CPU 111, the ROM112 and the RAM 113 may be connected to each other through an internalbus.

The control unit 110 may control the mobile communication unit 120, thesub-communication unit 130, the multimedia unit 140, the camera unit150, the GPS unit 155, the input/output unit 160, the sensor unit 170,the storage unit 175, the power supply unit 180, the touch screen 190,and the touch screen controller 195.

The mobile communication unit 120 enables the electronic device 100 tobe connected to any external device through a mobile communication,using one or more antennas (not shown) under the control of the controlunit 110. The mobile communication unit 120 transmits or receives awireless signal for a voice call, a video call, a Short Message Service(SMS), a Multimedia Message Service (MMS), or a data communication to orfrom a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC or any other electronicdevice.

The sub-communication unit 130 may include at least one of the WLAN unit131 and the short-range communication unit 132. For example, thesub-communication unit 130 may include the WLAN unit 131 only, theshort-range communication unit 132 only, or both.

The WLAN unit 131 may be connected to the Internet through an AccessPoint (AP) (not shown) under the control of the control unit 110. TheWLAN unit 131 supports related standards, such as Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11x. The short-rangecommunication unit 132 may perform a short-range communication betweenthe electronic device 100 and any external device under the control ofthe control unit 110. For example, a short-range communication may be,but is not limited to, Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), orNear Field Communication (NFC).

The electronic device 100 may include at least one of the mobilecommunication unit 120, the WLAN unit 131, and the short-rangecommunication unit 132. For example, the electronic device 100 may haveany combination of the mobile communication unit 120, the WLAN unit 131,and the short-range communication unit 132. In various embodiments ofthis disclosure, “a communication unit” is the term used to include themobile communication unit 120 and the sub-communication unit 130.

The multimedia unit 140 may include the broadcast communication unit141, the audio play unit 142, or the video play unit 143. The broadcastcommunication unit 141 may receive a broadcasting signal (e.g., a TVbroadcasting signal, a radio broadcasting signal, or a data broadcastingsignal) and any additional information (e.g., Electric Program Guide(EPG) or Electric Service Guide (ESG)) from a broadcasting stationthrough a suitable antenna (not shown) under the control of the controlunit 110. Then the broadcast communication unit 141 may reproduce thereceived signal and information, using the touch screen, a video codecunit (not shown), and an audio codec unit (not shown).

The audio play unit 142 may reproduce an audio source (e.g., an audiofile having the file extension of mp3, wma, ogg, or way) stored in thestorage unit 175 or received from any external entity, using the audiocodec unit under the control of the control unit 110.

The video play unit 143 may reproduce a digital video file (e.g., a filehaving the file extension of mpeg, mpg, mp4, avi, mov, or mkv) stored inthe storage unit 175 or received from any external entity, using thevideo codec unit under the control of the control unit 110. Mostapplications that can be installed in the electronic device 100 mayallow the playback of audio and/or video, using the audio codec unitand/or the video codec unit.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, many kinds ofvideo/audio codec units have been manufactured and sold. Additionally,the video play unit 143 may reproduce an audio source, using the videocodec unit or the audio codec unit.

The multimedia unit 140 may include the audio play unit 142 and thevideo play unit 143, excluding the broadcast communication unit 141. Inanother embodiment, the audio play unit 142 and the video play unit 143may be included in the control unit 110. In various embodiments of thisdisclosure, “a video codec unit” is the term used to include one or morevideo codec units. Similarly, “an audio codec unit” is the term used toinclude one or more audio codec units.

The camera unit 150 may include at least one of the first camera 151 andthe second camera 152, which are disposed respectively at the front andrear sides of the electronic device 100. Each of the first and secondcameras 151 and 152 may capture an image and/or record a video. Eachcamera 151 or 152 may have an assistant light source (e.g., the flash153) to offer a sufficient amount of light.

The camera unit 150 may further include at least one additional camera(not shown) which is disposed near the first and second cameras 151 and152. For example, the distance between the additional camera and thefirst or second camera may be within a range from 2 cm to 8 cm. Thiscombination of cameras may allow the acquisition of a 3D image or a 3Dvideo.

The GPS unit 155 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites(not shown) on the earth orbit. The electronic device 100 may calculatea current position, using time of arrival (ToA) from such GPS satellitesto the GPS unit 155.

The input/output unit 160 may include at least one of the buttons 161,the microphone 162, the speaker 163, the vibration motor 164, theconnector 165, the keypad 166, and the input unit 167.

The button 161 may be formed of a touch-sensitive virtual button ratherthan a mechanical button. Further, the button 161 may be displayed onthe touch screen 190.

The microphone 162 receives voice or sound from the outside and createsan electric signal under the control of the control unit 110. Thiselectric signal may be converted by the audio codec unit and then storedin the storage unit 175 or outputted through the speaker 163. Themicrophone 162 or more may be located at the front, lateral, and rearsides of the electronic device 100. Alternatively, the microphone 162 ormore may be located at the lateral side only.

The speaker 163 may output, to the outside, any sound corresponding tovarious signals (e.g., a wireless signal, a broadcasting signal, andaudio source, a video file, an image, etc.) from the mobilecommunication unit 120, the sub-communication unit 130, the multimediaunit 140, or the camera unit 150, using the audio codec unit under thecontrol of the control unit 110. The speaker 163 may output sound (e.g.,a button touch tone or a ringtone) corresponding to a particularfunction performed by the electronic device 100.

The vibration motor 164 may convert an electric signal into a mechanicalvibration under the control of the control unit 110. For example, when arequest for a voice call is received from a caller device (not shown),the vibration motor 164 operates in the case where the electronic device100 is in a vibration mode. The vibration motor 164 or more may be usedin the electronic device 100 to transfer a vibration to the wholeelectronic device 100 or a part thereof.

The connector 165 may be used as an interface for connecting theelectronic device 100 to an external device (not shown) or a powersource (not shown). Using a wired cable connected to the connector 165,the electronic device 100 may transmit data stored in the storage unit175 to any external device or receive data from any external deviceunder the control of the control unit 110. Additionally, using a wiredcable connected to the connector 165, the electronic device 100 mayreceive electric power from a power source and recharge a battery (notshown) equipped therein.

The keypad 166 may receive a key input for controlling the electronicdevice 100 from a user. The keypad 166 may be a mechanical keypad (notshown) formed in the electronic device 100 and/or a virtual keypad (notshown) displayed on the touch screen 190. In various embodiments, amechanical keypad may not be used depending on the performance orstructure of the electronic device 100.

The input unit 167 may touch or select any object (e.g., menu, text,image, figure, icon, etc.) displayed on the touch screen 190. Forexample, the input unit 167 may touch the touch screen of capacitivetype, resistive type, electromagnetic induction type, or ElectroMagneticReaction (EMR) type, or enter characters and the like through a virtualkeyboard.

The sensor unit 170 may include the temperature sensor 171 for detectingthe temperature of the outside and the humidity sensor 172 for detectingthe humidity of the outside. Various sensors may be added to or removedfrom the sensor unit 170, depending on the performance of the electronicdevice 100. For example, a proximity sensor (not shown) for detectingthe approach of something, a luminance sensor (not shown) for detectingthe amount of light around the electronic device 100, an accelerationsensor (not shown) for detecting a triaxial tilt of the electronicdevice 100, and/or a gravity sensor for detecting the direction ofgravity may be included in the sensor unit 170.

At least one sensor included in the sensor unit 170 may detectconditions of the electronic device 100 or environmental informationaround the electronic device 100, and then transmit a detection signalto the control unit 110.

The storage unit 175 may store signals or data inputted/outputted inconnection with operations of the mobile communication unit 120, thesub-communication unit 130, the multimedia unit 140, the camera unit150, the GPS unit 155, the input/output unit 160, the sensor unit 170,and the touch screen 190 under the control of the control unit 110. Thestorage unit 175 may store a specific control program for the control ofthe electronic device 100 or the control unit 110, various applicationsoffered by a manufacturer or received from any external entity, arelated Graphical User Interface (GUI), images used to provide such aGUI, user information, documents, database, and/or related data.

In various embodiments of this disclosure, a “storage unit” is the termused to include the storage unit 175, the ROM 112 and the RAM 113 in thecontrol unit 110, and/or a memory card (not shown, e.g., a micro SecureDigital (SD) card or a memory card) mounted in the electronic device100. This storage unit may be formed of nonvolatile memory, volatilememory, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or Solid State Drive (SSD).

The power supply unit 180 may supply electric power to one or morebatteries (not shown) disposed in the electronic device 100 under thecontrol of the control unit 110. Additionally, the power supply unit 180may receive electric power from an external power source (not shown)through a wired cable (not shown) connected to the connector 165.

The touch screen 190 may offer a user a user interface such as GUIscorresponding to various services (e.g., call, data transmission,broadcasting, taking picture, video, application, etc.). The touchscreen 190 transmits analog signals corresponding to one or more touchinputs entered through a GUI to the touch screen controller 195. Thetouch screen 190 may receive one or more touch inputs from a user's body(e.g., finger) or the input unit 167.

In various embodiments of this disclosure, a touch is not limited tocontact between the touch screen 190 and a user's body or the input unit167, and may include any non-contact action (e.g., hovering with adetectable distance of 30 mm or less). This detectable distance may bevaried depending on the performance or structure of the electronicdevice 100.

The touch screen 190 may be formed of resistive type, capacitive type,infrared type, or acoustic wave type.

Additionally, the touch screen 190 may include an ElectromagneticReaction (EMR) pad capable of detecting contact of an active type styluspen (not shown).

This pen may contain a coil therein and form a magnetic field at acertain spot of the EMR pad by means of the coil. The EMR pad may detecta touch point of the pen on the touch screen 190 by detecting thelocation of a magnetic field.

The touch screen controller 195 receives signals (e.g., X and Ycoordinates of a touch point) corresponding to one or more touch inputsfrom the touch screen 190 and transmits the received signals to thecontrol unit 110. Then the control unit 110 may control the touch screen190, using signals received from the touch screen controller 195. Forexample, in response to a touch input, the control unit 110 may indicatea selection of a shortcut icon (not shown) displayed on the touch screen190 or execute an application corresponding to the selected shortcuticon.

The control unit 110 may calculate X and Y coordinates corresponding toa touch point, using signals received from the touch screen controller195. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the touch screencontroller 195 controls the touch screen 190 and, depending on theperformance or structure of the electronic device 100, may be containedin the control unit 110.

The above-discussed elements of the electronic device 100 in FIG. 1 maybe essentially or optionally used depending on the performance of theelectronic device 100. Additionally, as will be understood by thoseskilled in the art, locations of such elements may be varied accordingto the performance or structure of the electronic device 100.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded views illustrating screen layers displayedon a touch screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

The electronic device may include the touch screen for allowing an imageto be displayed and for detecting a user input. Particularly, theelectronic device may display a semitransparent layer overlapped withthe image. Further, the electronic device may include the control unitfor changing the transparency of a part of the semitransparent layercorresponding to a specific spot on the touch screen from which a userinput is detected.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, an image 210 is displayed on the touchscreen 190. The image 210 may be a background image displayed in an idlestate of the electronic device.

Additionally, the first layer 220 may be displayed to be overlapped withthe image 210. The first image 210 may be considered to be displayed ona layer underlying the first layer 220. At least part of the first layer220 may be in a semitransparent (or translucent) state such that theimage 210 may be seen dimly through the first layer 220. Meanwhile, thefirst layer 220 may contain graphic objects displayed thereon, such as atemperature object 230, a humidity object 240, and a current time object250. The graphics objects may be opaque, or may also besemi-transparent.

The first layer 220 may be changed in transparency under the control ofthe control unit 110. Transparency may be expressed by means of numbersfrom 0 to 100. For example, transparency ‘0’ indicates an opaque statein which the image 210 is completely invisible. Transparency ‘50’indicates a semitransparent state in which the image 210 is seen dimly.Transparency ‘10’ indicates another semitransparent state in which theimage 210 is nearly invisible. Transparency ‘100’ indicates atransparent state in which the image 210 is completely visible. Asemitransparent state may mean any state having transparency excluding‘0’ and ‘100’. Under the control of the control unit 110, transparencyof the first layer 220 or at least part of the first layer (forinstance, excluding any graphics objects) may be varied from 0 to 100.

The graphic objects 230, 240 and 250 may be displayed opaquely on thefirst layer 220. Even though transparency of the first layer 220 ischanged, the graphic objects 230, 240 and 250 indicating temperature,humidity and current time may remain in an opaque state. The first layer220 may have a region for allowing a change in transparency and theother region for disallowing a change in transparency. Regions of thegraphic objects 230, 240 and 250 may disallow a change in transparency,and the other regions may allow a change in transparency.

Depending on transparency of the first layer 220, the image 210 may bedisplayed dimly or clearly on the touch screen. For example, when thefirst layer 220 is displayed, the initial transparency may be ‘70’indicating a semitransparent state. In this semitransparent state, thebackground image 210 may be displayed less dimly.

FIG. 2B shows another example of an image and an overlapped screen layeron the touch screen. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2B, an image 292 isdisplayed on the touch screen 190. The image 292 may be a backgroundimage displayed in an idle state of the electronic device. Additionally,the first layer 290 may be displayed to be overlapped with the image292. Since the first layer 290 is in a semitransparent state, the image292 may be seen dimly through the first layer 290.

The first layer 290 may be changed in transparency by the control unit110. Transparency may be expressed by means of numbers from 0 to 100.For example, transparency ‘0’ indicates an opaque state in which theimage 292 is completely invisible. Transparency ‘50’ indicates asemitransparent state in which the image 292 is seen dimly. Transparency‘10’ indicates another semitransparent state in which the image 292 isnearly invisible. Transparency ‘100’ indicates a transparent state inwhich the image 292 is completely visible. A semitransparent state maymean any state having transparency excluding ‘0’ and ‘100’. Under thecontrol of the control unit 110, transparency of the first layer 290 maybe varied from 0 to 100.

Depending on transparency of the first layer 290, the image 292 may bedisplayed dimly or clearly on the touch screen. For example, when thefirst layer 290 is displayed, the initial transparency may be ‘70’indicating a semitransparent state. In this semitransparent state, theimage 292 may be displayed less dimly.

Further, the second layer 280 may be displayed to be overlapped with thefirst layer 290. The second layer 280 may contain an opaque region fordisplaying information associated with conditions of the electronicdevice. For example, the second layer 280 may contain graphic objectsdisplayed thereon, such as a temperature object 288, a humidity object286, a current time object 284, and a status bar 282.

The graphic objects 282, 284, 286 and 288 may be displayed opaquely onthe second layer 280. The second layer 280 may have an opaque region fordisplaying information such as the graphic objects 282, 284, 286 and288, and the other region that remains in a transparent state.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated with a touchand drag action detected from a touch screen of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow screenshots illustrating graphic objects represented on a screen bya touch and drag action detected from a touch screen of an electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4A and 4B, an image is displayed on the touchscreen 190 at operation 310. The touch screen 190 may detect a userinput, which may be a touch action to come in contact with the touchscreen by using a separate input unit such as user's finger or a styluspen, and/or a drag action to move such a finger or pen while keepingcontact with the touch screen. When a user's finger is touched on thetouch screen 190, the touch screen 190 may transmit coordinates of atouch point to the control unit 110.

At operation 320, the control unit 110 may control a display of thefirst layer 400 overlapped with the image. The first layer 400 isdisplayed opaquely, so that the image displayed on the touch screen 190may be seen dimly.

The first layer 400 may contain various graphic objects displayedthereon, such as a temperature icon 410, a humidity icon 420, atemperature value 430, and a humidity value 440.

At operation 330, the control unit 110 may detect a touch and dragaction from the touch screen 190. Specifically, the first layer 400 isdisplayed on the touch screen 190. When a user's finger 450 is touchedon the touch screen 190, the touch screen 190 detects a touch actionfrom a touch point thereon. Then the touch screen 190 may transmitcoordinates of the touch point to the control unit 110. Additionally,the control unit 110 may detect a continuous movement of the touchaction. This movement may be a drag action.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a user's finger 470 comes in contact with thefirst layer displayed on the touch screen 190 and moves to create a dragpath 460. Drag path 460 could comprise a centre line of the user'sfinger movement and a predetermined area either side of the centre line.Alternatively, the drag path 60 could comprise the whole touch area ofthe user's finger at each point along the drag movement. In response tosuch a touch and drag action, at operation 340 the control unit 110changes the transparency of a specific region of the first layer fromwhich a touch and drag action is detected. For example, if the drag path460 is created on the first layer by means of the user's finger 470,transparency of the drag path 460 is changed such that the drag path 460becomes transparent. The control unit 110 may receive coordinates of thedrag path 460 from the touch screen 190 and then change transparency ofa specific region corresponding to the drag path 460 on the first layer.

For example, in the case where the initial transparency of the firstlayer is ‘70’, transparency of the drag path 460 may be changed to‘100’. Therefore, the drag path 460 becomes transparent, and the imageunderlying the drag path can be seen clearly.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of displaying a layerwith a varied attribute according to temperature on a touch screen of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS. 6A and 6B show screenshots illustrating layers displayed withdifferent attributes according to temperature on a touch screen of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The first layer displayed on the touch screen may have at least twoattributes, which may be determined depending on temperature. If acurrent temperature is higher than a predefined temperature, the controlunit 110 may assign the first attribute to the first layer. In contrast,if a current temperature is equal to or lower than a predefinedtemperature, the control unit 110 may assign the second attribute to thefirst layer.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 6A and 6B, the touch screen 190 displays animage at operation 510. The electronic device may include thetemperature sensor 171. At operation 520, the temperature sensor 171detects a current temperature. Then the temperature sensor 171 sends adetected temperature value to the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 may determine the attribute of the first layer,based on a temperature value received from the temperature sensor 171.If a current temperature is higher than a predefined temperature, thecontrol unit 110 may display a water vapor image on the first layer. Incontrast, if a current temperature is equal to or lower than apredefined temperature, the control unit 110 may display a frost imageon the first layer.

For example, in case a predefined temperature is zero degree, thecontrol unit 110 determines at operation 530 whether a currenttemperature is greater than zero degree. If a current temperature isgreater than zero degree, the control unit 110 assigns an attribute‘water vapor’ to the first layer. Therefore, at operation 540, a watervapor image or a similar pattern is displayed on the first layer. FIG.6A shows the first layer 610 having an attribute ‘water vapor’ andcovered with a water vapor image. If a current temperature is equal toor lower than zero degree, the control unit 110 assigns an attribute‘frost’ to the first layer. Therefore, at operation 550, a frost imageor a similar pattern is displayed on the first layer. FIG. 6B shows thefirst layer 620 having an attribute ‘frost’ and covered with a frostimage. Although the first layer has two attributes (i.e., water vaporand frost) in this embodiment, any other type attributes or much moreattributes may be alternatively used for the first layer.

The control unit 110 may determine a current temperature based on datareceived from any external entity. For example, accessing the Internetthrough the mobile communication unit 120 or the sub-communication unit130, the control unit 110 may determine a current temperature at theoutside of the electronic device 100 or at a specific area.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated withtemperature changes in an electronic device according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. FIGS. 8A and 8B show screenshots illustratingvariations of transparency according to temperature changes on a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, 8A and 8B, the temperature sensor 171 detects acurrent temperature at operation 710. Then, at operation 720, thecontrol unit 110 receives temperature data from the temperature sensor171 and determines whether there is a change in temperature.Alternatively, the control unit 110 may determine a current temperatureor temperature changes based on data received from any external entity.At operation 730, in response to a change in temperature, the controlunit 110 changes transparency of the first layer displayed in asemitransparent state. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first layer810 initially has a transparency of ‘60’. If a change in temperature isdetected, the control unit 110 changes transparency of the first layer.Specifically, transparency is increased according to an ascendingtemperature and decreased according to a descending temperature, andvice versa. FIG. 8B shows that transparency of the first layer 820 ischanged to ‘70’. Due to an increase in transparency, the backgroundimage underlying the first layer can be more clearly seen.

The control unit 110 may change transparency of all regions of the firstlayer according to weather information which includes at least one oftemperature, humidity, and wind direction. Accessing an external weatherserver through the mobile communication unit 120 or thesub-communication unit 130, the control unit 110 may receive weatherinformation or data from the weather server.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated with theremoval of a touch and drag action from a touch screen in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10shows a screenshot illustrating a water drop object displayed at aremoval point of a touch and drag action on the first layer of a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 9 and 10, the first layer is displayed in asemitransparent state, being overlapped with the background imagedisplayed on the touch screen 190. At operation 910, a water vapor imageis displayed on the first layer. Namely, the first layer 1020 has anattribute of water vapor, so that the water vapor image 1022 can bedisplayed on the first layer 1020. When a user takes a touch and dragaction along a certain region of the first layer 1020 displayed on thetouch screen 190, the touch screen 190 detects the touch and drag actionat operation 920 and then sends coordinates of the detected region tothe control unit 110.

At operation 930, the control unit 110 changes the transparency of thedetected region of the first layer such that a background image 1024 canbe seen. After the touch and drag action is removed, the control unit110 may control a water drop object 1026 to be displayed at a removalpoint of the touch and drag action at operation 940. The water dropobject 1026 is a sort of graphic object having the form of a water drop.The water drop object 1026 may be displayed at a specific location ofthe first layer under the control unit 110. Also, the water drop object1026 may be moved in the direction of gravity under the control of thecontrol unit 110. In other embodiments, water drop objects may bedisplayed at one or more or each local lowest point along the drag path,with lowest point being defined according to the direction of gravityand local lowest point referring to a portion of the drag path which islowest compared to immediately adjacent areas.

Namely, at operation 930, the transparency of a touch and drag region ischanged, and therefore the background image 1024 is seen clearly.Further, at operation 940, the water drop object 1026 is displayed atthe end point of the touch and drag region.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating a process after an elapse of agiven time from a display of a water drop object on a touch screen in anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS. 12A and 12B show screenshots illustrating the movement of a waterdrop object after an elapse of a given time from a display of the waterdrop object on a touch screen of an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, 12A and 12B, the first layer 1240 having anattribute of a water vapor image 1242 is displayed in a semitransparentstate on the touch screen 190, being overlapped with the backgroundimage. When a user's finger (not shown) is touched on and dragged alonga part of the first layer 1240, a touch and drag region 1244 of thefirst layer 1240 is displayed transparently at operation 1110.

When a given time has elapsed at operation 1120 after a transparentdisplay, a water drop object is displayed on the first layer atoperation 1130. Namely, after an elapse of a predetermined time, thecontrol unit 110 may control the first layer 1240 to display the waterdrop object.

The water drop object may be displayed near a specific region from whicha touch and drag action is detected. Alternatively, the water dropobject may be displayed at a random position near the edge of the firstlayer. When another given time has elapsed at operation 1140 after adisplay of the water drop object on the first layer, the water dropobject may be moved in the direction of gravity at operation 1150.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, a user's finger is touched on thetouch screen 190 and dragged in a specific direction 1214. Then thecontrol unit 110 receives coordinates of a touch and drag region 1212from the touch screen 190, and controls the touch and drag region 1212to be displayed transparently. Namely, a specific region 1212 of thefirst layer 1210, corresponding to a finger drag path, is displayed in atransparent state on the touch screen 190. When a given time has elapsedafter the touch and drag region 1212 is displayed transparently, a waterdrop object 1216 is displayed at the end point of the touch and dragregion 1212 on the first layer 1210. Alternatively, as soon as a touchand drag action is removed, the water drop object 1216 may be displayedon the first layer 1210. As noted above, the water drop object may alsoor alternatively be positioned at localised lowest points along the dragpath.

When another given time has elapsed after the water drop object 1216 isdisplayed on the first layer 1210, the control unit 110 may control thewater drop object 1216 to be moved in the direction of gravity. Namely,the water drop object 1216 created at a drag removal point as shown inFIG. 12A begins to move in the direction of gravity after an elapse of agiven time as indicated by a reference number 1246 in FIG. 12B. Thecontrol unit 110 may determine the direction of gravity by receivingsignals from the gyro sensor (not shown) and/or the acceleration sensor(not shown).

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated with a touchand drag action detected from a layer with a frost image on a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIGS. 14A to 14C show screenshots illustrating anaccumulated frost object displayed in response to the removal of a touchand drag action detected from a layer with a frost image on a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In case a frost image is displayed on the first layer, the control unit110 may create an accumulated frost object at a drag removal point.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 13 and 14A, the first layer 1410 is displayed in asemitransparent state, being overlapped with the background imagedisplayed on the touch screen 190. At operation 1310, a frost image isdisplayed on the first layer 1410. Namely, the first layer 1410 has anattribute of frost, so that the frost image can be displayed on thefirst layer 1410. When a user takes a touch and drag action along acertain region of the first layer 1410 displayed on the touch screen190, the touch screen 190 detects the touch and drag action at operation1320 and then sends coordinates of the detected region to the controlunit 110. At operation 1330, the control unit 110 changes thetransparency of the detected region of the first layer such that abackground image 1412 can be seen clearly. After the touch and dragaction is removed, the control unit 110 may control an accumulated frostobject 1416 to be displayed at a removal point of the touch and dragaction at operation 1340.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14B, a user's finger is touched on thetouch screen 190 and dragged in a specific direction 1430. Then thecontrol unit 110 receives coordinates of a touch and drag region 1420from the touch screen 190, and controls the touch and drag region 1420to be displayed transparently. In the case where the initialtransparency of the first layer is ‘70’, transparency of the touch anddrag region 1420 is changed to ‘0’ indicating a transparent state.Therefore, the touch and drag region 1420 is displayed transparently.Further, at the end point 1440 of the touch and drag region 1420, anaccumulated frost object 1450 is displayed. As enlargedly shown in FIG.14C, the accumulated frost object 1450 may be displayed in the form ofcrescent brows at a drag removal point.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a process after an elapse of agiven time from a display of a region having been changed intransparency on a touch screen in an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 16A to 16C show screenshotsillustrating the disappearance of a region having been changed intransparency after an elapse of a given time from a display of theregion on a touch screen of an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

The control unit 110 may control a specific region (e.g., where a userinput occurs) to be changed in transparency as time passes. A user inputmay be a touch and drag action detected from the touch screen.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 15, and 16A to 16C, the first layer 1600 isdisplayed in a semitransparent state, being overlapped with thebackground image displayed on the touch screen 190. When a user takes atouch and drag action along a certain region of the first layer 1600displayed on the touch screen 190, the touch screen 190 detects thetouch and drag action and then sends coordinates of the detected regionto the control unit 110. At operation 1510, the control unit 110 changesthe transparency of the detected region of the first layer. Then thecontrol unit 110 determines whether a given time has elapsed after atransparent display of the detected region. When a given time haselapsed at operation 1520, the control unit 110 changes the opacity ofthe region having been changed in transparency at operation 1530. Achange to an opaque state is accomplished by a gradual decrease oftransparency. Namely, the control unit 110 gradually decreasestransparency to the initial transparency of the first layer. Forexample, the first layer is displayed at the initial transparency of‘70’ on the touch screen. When a touch and drag action is received to aspecific region of the first layer, transparency of the specific regionis changed from ‘70’ to ‘100’. Then, after twenty seconds, the controlunit 110 begins to gradually decrease transparency of the specificregion from ‘100’ to ‘70’.

FIG. 16A shows that a touch and drag region 1610 is displayedtransparently on the first layer 1600 having a semitransparent state. Adotted line is virtually used to indicate the touch and drag region 1610which actually occurs. FIG. 16B shows that the touch and drag region1630 is changed to a slightly semitransparent state as time passes. Atthis time, transparency of the touch and drag region 1630 is stilldifferent from that of the first layer 1620. FIG. 16C shows that thetouch and drag region is completely invisible on the first layer 1650 astime further passes.

FIGS. 17A to 17D show screenshots illustrating a sequentialdisappearance of a region having a change in transparency after anelapse of a given time from a display of the region on a touch screen ofan electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17A shows that a user's finger 1710 forms a path 1712 of a touchand drag action on the first layer 1700. This path 1712 is displayedtransparently on the first layer 1700. FIG. 17B shows that a user'sfinger further forms another path 1724 of a touch and drag action on thefirst layer 1720. At this time, the previously formed path 1722 isdisplayed opaquely due to changed transparency as time passes. FIG. 17Cshows that a user's finger further forms another path 1734 of a touchand drag action on the first layer 1730. At this time, the previouslyformed path 1732 is displayed opaquely due to changed transparency astime passes. Additionally, the firstly formed path (1722 in FIG. 17B) iscompletely invisible having assumed the same opacity as the surroundingfirst layer. FIG. 17D shows a further elapse of time. The finally formedpath 1742 only is displayed on the first layer 1740, and the other pathspreviously formed are completely invisible.

As time passes, a display on the first layer is changed sequentially.Also, several paths disappear gradually in the order of being formed asshown in FIGS. 17A to 17D. Namely, the firstly formed path 1712disappears first and the finally formed path 1724 disappears lastly.

FIGS. 18A to 18C show screenshots illustrating a layer changed inopacity in a case of a touch and drag action taken at about 90% regionson a touch screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 18A to 18C, a user's finger (not shown) forms a path1810 of a contact region on the first layer 1800. Then the transparencyof the contact path 1810 is changed. Further and continuous contact onthe first layer 1800 increases a transparent region of the first layer.If a contact region occupies about 90% of the entire region of the firstlayer, the control unit 110 controls the entire region of the firstlayer to be in a semitransparent state.

FIG. 18A shows that the path 1810 caused by a touch and drag action isdisplayed transparently on the first layer 1800. FIG. 18B shows thatabout a 90% region of the first layer 1820 is displayed transparently.FIG. 18C shows that the entire region of the first layer 1830 returns tothe initial semitransparent state due to the detection of a touch anddrag action from about the 90% region of the first layer.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a process associated withhumidity changes in an electronic device according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. FIGS. 20A to 20E show screenshots illustratingvarious display forms of a layer according to temperature and humiditychanges on a touch screen of an electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 19, and 20A to 20E, the humidity sensor 172detects a current humidity at operation 1910. Then the control unit 110receives detection results from the humidity sensor 172 and determineshumidity based on the detection results. At operation 1912, depending onthe determined humidity, the control unit 110 may change transparency ofthe first layer which is in a semitransparent state.

Alternatively, such humidity may be determined based on data receivedfrom any external entity.

At operation 1914, depending on the determined humidity, the controlunit 110 may change a display frequency of water drop objects displayedon the first layer. For example, in the case where the first layer hasan attribute of ‘water vapor’, the control unit 110 may assign a higherdisplay frequency to water drop objects and also increase a velocity ofwater drop objects being moved in the direction of gravity when thehumidity is between 100% and 90%. If the humidity is between 90% and20%, the control unit 110 may assign a slightly higher display frequencyto water drop objects and also slightly increase a velocity of waterdrop objects being moved in the direction of gravity. If the humidity isbetween 20% and 10%, the control unit 110 may assign a lower displayfrequency to water drop objects and also decrease a velocity of waterdrop objects being moved in the direction of gravity. If the humidity isbetween 10% and 0%, the control unit 110 may assign a very lower or nodisplay frequency to water drop objects and also control water dropobjects to be not moved in the direction of gravity.

For example, if the humidity is between 100% and 90%, ten water dropobjects are displayed on the touch screen. If the humidity is between90% and 20%, five water drop objects are displayed on the touch screen.If the humidity is between 20% and 10%, one or two water drop objectsare displayed on the touch screen. If the humidity is between 10% and0%, no water drop object is displayed on the touch screen.

The control unit 110 may change transparency of the first layer,depending on humidity. For example, the control unit 110 may settransparency of the first layer to 30 when the humidity is between 100%and 90%. Also, the control unit 110 may set transparency of the firstlayer to 50 when the humidity is between 90% and 20%. And also, thecontrol unit 110 may set transparency of the first layer to 70 when thehumidity is between 20% and 10%. And also, the control unit 110 may settransparency of the first layer to 100 when the humidity is between 10%and 0%.

FIG. 20A shows one case in which the humidity is between 100% and 90%.In this case, the first layer 2000 is displayed on the touch screen 190.Due to a higher humidity, the background image 2010 is seen dimly. Thetransparency of contact paths 2014 and 2016 formed by a user's finger(not shown) are changed. Water drop objects are formed at the contactpaths 2014 and 2016. Another water drop object 2012 is displayed near anedge of the first layer 2000.

FIG. 20B shows another case in which the humidity is between 20% and10%. In this case, contact paths 2026 and 2028 formed by a user's finger(not shown) are displayed on the first layer 2020. The background image2022 is seen more clearly than the background image 2010 shown in FIG.20A. Another water drop object 2024 is displayed near an edge of thefirst layer 2020. In the case where the humidity is between 20% and 10%,the control unit 110 may set transparency of the first layer to 70.

FIG. 20C shows still another case in which the humidity is 0%. In thiscase, the transparency of the first layer 2030 is changed, and thebackground image 2032 is seen clearly.

Meanwhile, in the case where the first layer has an attribute of‘frost’, the control unit 110 may set transparency of the first layer to50 when the humidity is between 100% and 20%. FIG. 20D shows the firstlayer 2040 in this case. Since the first layer 2040 has an attribute of‘frost’, a frost image is displayed on the first layer 2040 and thebackground image 2042 is seen dimly. If a user's finger takes a touchand drag action on the touch screen 190, resultant paths 2044 and 2046are displayed transparently on the first layer 2040.

FIG. 20E shows the first layer 2050 displayed on the touch screen inthis case. If the humidity is between 10% and 0%, the control unit 110may set transparency of the first layer 2050 for 100.

In the case where the first layer has an attribute of ‘frost’, thecontrol unit 110 may create no water drop object.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a variation in a display form of a layerat a touch point according to the duration of a touch on a touch screenof an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 21, when a user's finger 2110 comes in contact withthe first layer displayed on the touch screen, the transparency of acontact point 2100 is changed. If the user's finger 2110 keeps suchcontact for a given time, a region having been changed in transparencyis gradually enlarged. Namely, the contact point 2100 having beenchanged in transparency by the initial finger contact is shifted to anenlarged point 2120 as time passes. Further, the control unit may createa water drop object 2130 displayed on the first layer.

The touch screen 190 detects contact of a user's finger from the firstlayer displayed thereon. Then the control unit 110 receives coordinatesof a contact region from the touch screen 190 and, based on the receivedcoordinates, determines a specific region to have its transparencychanged. Further, the control unit 110 controls the touch screen 190 tochange transparency of the contact region. Therefore, the partial region2100 of the first layer is displayed transparently. Additionally, thecontrol unit 110 detects if the finger contact is maintainedcontinuously. If the finger contact is maintained without movement for agiven time, the control unit 110 may enlarge such a transparentlydisplayed region on the first layer.

For example, if an initial region having its transparency changed by afinger contact has a size of 70, this region may be enlarged to a sizeof 100 due to continuous finger contact on the touch screen.

FIGS. 22A to 22D show screenshots illustrating a process of releasing alock state of a user interface in response to a user input on a touchscreen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The electronic device of this disclosure may include the display unitconfigured to display the user interface and having the touch screen.Further, the electronic may include the control unit configured to keepa lock state of the user interface by controlling the touch screen todisplay a semitransparent layer overlapped with the user interface, tochange transparency of a partial region of the semitransparent layerwhen the user input is detected from the partial region, and to releasethe lock state of the user interface when the partial region occupies aspecific percentage or more of the entire region of the touch screen.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 22A, the first layer 2210 is displayed in asemitransparent state on the touch screen 190. A plurality of icons forexecuting applications are arranged behind the first layer 2210 anddisplayed dimly. In the case where the entire region of the first layer2210 is in a semitransparent state, the control unit 110 may disallowthe selection of such icons. For example, even if one of icons displayeddimly behind the first layer 2210 is touched, the touched icon is notselected and thus a corresponding application is not executed.

Returning to FIG. 2B, the touch screen 190 may display theabove-discussed image 292 on which a plurality of icons are arranged.Hereinafter, this image 292 will be referred to as a desktop image. Whenone of such icons is touched and thereby selected, a specificapplication linked to the selected icon may be executed. Namely, theplurality of icons may act as a sort of user interface.

Returning to FIG. 22A, in the case where the first layer 2210 isdisplayed in a semitransparent state and overlapped with the desktopimage, the control unit 110 may keep the user interface in a lock state.The user interface may be shifted from a lock state to an unlock state,and vice versa, under the control of the control unit 110.

Referring to FIG. 22B, the first layer 2220 is displayed in asemitransparent state on the touch screen 190. A user interface having aplurality of icons arranged thereon is displayed behind the first layer2220. If a touch and drag action happens on the first layer 2220, thecontrol unit 110 receives coordinates of a touch and drag region 2222from the touch screen 190. Then the control unit 110 changestransparency of the touch and drag region 2222 such that the region 2222is in a transparent state. Therefore, some icons behind the first layer2220 are displayed clearly in the transparent region 2222. In the end,the first layer 2220 comes to contain the transparent region 2222 andthe semitransparent region 2224, depending on a user input. When thetransparent region 2222 occupies 90% or more of the entire region, thecontrol unit 110 may shift a lock state of the user interface to anunlock state.

Referring to FIG. 22C, most regions of the first layer 2230 displayed onthe touch screen 190 are in a transparent state, and the otherperipheral regions are in a semitransparent state. If the transparentregion occupies 90% or more of the first layer 2230, the control unit110 may shift a lock state of the user interface to an unlock state.

FIG. 22D shows a screen of user interface which is in an unlock state.The first layer (not shown) is displayed transparently on the touchscreen 190, so that a desktop image 2240 having icons arranged thereonis seen clearly. Therefore, a user can touch a desired one of iconsarranged on the desktop image 2240 in order to execute a correspondingapplication.

FIGS. 23A to 23C show screenshots illustrating a process of releasing alock state of a user interface at a partial region on a touch screen ofan electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The electronic device may include the display unit configured to displaya plurality of icons for executing applications and to have the touchscreen for detecting a user input. Further, the electronic device mayinclude the control unit configured to disallow a selection of the iconsby controlling the touch screen to display a semitransparent layeroverlapped with the icons, and to control at least one of the icons tobe in a selectable state by changing transparency of a partial region ofthe semitransparent layer when the user input is detected from thepartial region.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 23A, a desktop image having a plurality oficons arranged thereon is displayed on the touch screen 190, and thefirst layer is displayed thereon in a semitransparent state. The iconsare displayed dimly due to the first layer. In the case where the entireregion of the first layer is in a semitransparent state, the controlunit 110 may keep a user interface in a lock state. For example, even ifone icon 2310 displayed dimly behind the first layer is touched, thetouched icon 2310 is not selected due to a lock state of the userinterface.

Referring to FIG. 23B, a desktop image having a plurality of iconsarranged thereon is displayed on the touch screen 190, and the firstlayer 2320 is displayed thereon in a semitransparent state. The firstlayer 2320 may contain a transparent region 2322 and a semitransparentregion 2324. The transparent region 2322 receiving a user input ischanged from a semitransparent state to a transparent state, while thesemitransparent region 2324 receiving no user input is still in asemitransparent state. Some icons are located in the transparent region2322 and displayed clearly in comparison with the other icons locatedbehind the semitransparent region 2324. The control unit 110 may controlsuch icons located in the transparent region 2322 to be selected.Namely, if the transparency of a partial region of the first layer 2320is changed in response to a user input, the control unit 110 maypartially release a lock state of the user interface. Namely, thetransparent region 2322 only is entered in an unlock state. Therefore,if a certain icon 2326 located in the transparent region 2322 is touchedand thereby selected, the control unit 110 executes a specificapplication linked to the selected icon 2326.

FIG. 23C shows a particular screen 2330 of the application executed whenthe visible icon (2326 in FIG. 23B) is selected. Namely, when a galleryicon 2326 is selected as shown in FIG. 23B, a gallery application screen2330 is displayed.

The above-discussed method is described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations of user interfaces, methods, and computerprogram products according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which are executed via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.These computer program instructions may also be stored in anon-transitory computer usable or computer-readable memory that candirect a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus tofunction in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored inthe non-transitory computer usable or computer-readable memory producean article of manufacture including instruction means that implement thefunction specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computerprogram instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operationalsteps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus toproduce a computer implemented process such that the instructions thatare executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus providesteps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block orblocks.

And each block of the flowchart illustrations may represent a module,segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executableinstructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). Itshould also be noted that in some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order. For example,two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantiallyconcurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a touch screenconfigured to display an image and to detect a user input; and a controlunit configured to control the touch screen to display a first layeroverlapped with the image, wherein when the user input is detected in apartial region of the first layer, the control unit is furtherconfigured to change transparency of the partial region.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor,wherein the control unit is further configured to determine temperaturebased on information received from the temperature sensor, to controlthe first layer to display a water vapor image when the determinedtemperature is higher than a predefined temperature, and to control thefirst layer to display a frost image when the determined temperature islower than the predefined temperature.
 3. The electronic device of claim2, wherein the control unit is further configured to change transparencyof the entire region of the first layer according to variations of thedetermined temperature.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit is further configured to control the first layer to displaya water drop object after an elapse of a given time.
 5. The electronicdevice of claim 4, wherein the control unit is further configured tocontrol the water drop object to be displayed as if it moves in thedirection of gravity.
 6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein thecontrol unit is further configured to control the water drop object tobe displayed at a removal point of the user input.
 7. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured tochange transparency of the user input detected region as time passes. 8.The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a humidity sensor,wherein the control unit is further configured to change transparency ofthe first layer in response to a signal received from the humiditysensor.
 9. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the control unit isfurther configured to control the first layer to display an accumulatedfrost object at a removal point of the user input when the frost imageis displayed.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controlunit is further configured to control the touch screen to display asecond layer overlapped with the first layer, the second layer having anopaque region for displaying information.
 11. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to determinetemperature based on data received from an external entity, to controlthe first layer to display a water vapor image when the determinedtemperature is higher than a predefined temperature, and to control thefirst layer to display a frost image when the determined temperature islower than the predefined temperature.
 12. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to changetransparency of the entire region of the first layer according toweather information.
 13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein theweather information includes at least one of temperature and humidity.14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first layer has atleast two attributes which are determined according to temperature. 15.The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the control unit is furtherconfigured to assign a first attribute to the first layer when thetemperature is higher than a predefined temperature, and to assign asecond attribute to the first layer when the temperature is lower thanthe predefined temperature.
 16. An electronic device comprising: a touchscreen configured to display an image and to detect a user input; and acontrol unit configured to control the touch screen to display asemitransparent layer overlapped with the image, wherein when the userinput is detected in a partial region of the semitransparent layer, thecontrol unit is further configured to change transparency of the partialregion.
 17. An electronic device comprising: a touch screen configuredto display a user interface and to detect a user input; and a controlunit configured to keep a lock state of the user interface bycontrolling the touch screen to display a semitransparent layeroverlapped with the user interface, to change transparency of a partialregion of the semitransparent layer when the user input is detected inthe partial region, and to release the lock state of the user interfacewhen the partial region occupies a specific percentage or more of theentire region of the touch screen.
 18. An electronic device comprising:a touch screen configured to display a plurality of icons for executingapplications and to detect a user input; and a control unit configuredto disallow a selection of the icons by controlling the touch screen todisplay a semitransparent layer overlapped with the icons, and tocontrol at least one of the icons to be in a selectable state bychanging transparency of a partial region of the semitransparent layerwhen the user input is detected in the partial region.
 19. A method fora display control for a screen of an electronic device having a touchscreen, the method comprising: displaying a first layer overlapped withan image displayed on the touch screen; detecting a user input on thetouch screen; and changing transparency of a partial region of the firstlayer in which the user input is detected.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: determining temperature; and displaying a watervapor image on the first layer when the determined temperature is higherthan a predefined temperature, and displaying a frost image on the firstlayer when the determined temperature is lower than the predefinedtemperature.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: changingtransparency of the entire region of the first layer according tovariations of the determined temperature.
 22. The method of claim 20,further comprising: displaying a water drop object on the first layerafter an elapse of a given time.
 23. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising: displaying the water drop object as if it moves in thedirection of gravity.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:displaying the water drop object at a removal point of the user input.25. The method of claim 19, further comprising: changing transparency ofthe user input detected region as time passes.
 26. The method of claim19, further comprising: detecting humidity; and changing transparency ofthe first layer according to the detected humidity.
 27. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising: displaying an accumulated frost object ata removal point of the user input on the first layer when the frostimage is displayed.
 28. The method of claim 19, further comprising:displaying a second layer overlapped with the first layer on the touchscreen, the second layer having an opaque region for displayinginformation.
 29. The method of claim 19, further comprising: receivingtemperature; and displaying a water vapor image on the first layer whenthe received temperature is higher than a predefined temperature, anddisplaying a frost image on the first layer when the receivedtemperature is lower than the predefined temperature.
 30. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising: changing transparency of the entire regionof the first layer according to weather information.
 31. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the weather information includes at least one oftemperature and humidity.
 32. The method of claim 19, wherein the firstlayer has at least two attributes which are determined according totemperature.
 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: assigning afirst attribute to the first layer when the temperature is higher than apredefined temperature, and assigning a second attribute to the firstlayer when the temperature is lower than the predefined temperature. 34.A method for a display control for a screen of an electronic devicehaving a touch screen, the method comprising: displaying an image on thetouch screen; displaying a semitransparent layer overlapped with theimage; detecting a user input in the touch screen; and changingtransparency of a partial region of the semitransparent layer in whichthe user input is detected.
 35. A method for a display control for ascreen of an electronic device having a touch screen, the methodcomprising: displaying a user interface on the touch screen; keeping alock state of the user interface by controlling the touch screen todisplay a semitransparent layer overlapped with the user interface;changing transparency of a partial region of the semitransparent layerwhen a user input is detected in the partial region; and releasing thelock state of the user interface when the partial region occupies aspecific percentage or more of the entire region of the touch screen.36. A method for a display control for a screen of an electronic devicehaving a touch screen, the method comprising: displaying a plurality oficons for executing applications on the touch screen; disallowing aselection of the icons by controlling the touch screen to display asemitransparent layer overlapped with the icons; and controlling atleast one of the icons to be in a selectable state by changingtransparency of a partial region of the semitransparent layer when auser input is detected in the partial region.